Protective Cowl Garment

ABSTRACT

A garment is disclosed. The garment includes a loose fitting cowl; wherein the cowl covers the nose and mouth when deployed in an up position and drapes loosely in the front of the garment when in a relaxed position; wherein the cowl can be used as a face covering.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional patent application 63/036,051 filed on Jun. 8, 2020 and titled Protective Cowl Garment.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to clothing, and more particularly to illness prevention.

BACKGROUND

Fashion and style are important considerations for many people. There is an increasing awareness of contagions, and how contagions are spread and cause illness.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the disclosure provides a garment. The garment includes a loose fitting cowl; wherein the cowl covers the nose and mouth when deployed in an up position and drapes loosely in the front of the garment when in a relaxed position; wherein the cowl can be used as a face covering.

A garment. The garment includes a section of fabric constructed in a tube; wherein the lower edge of the tube attaches to the neck opening of a garment. The tube covers the nose and mouth when deployed in an up position and drapes loosely in the front of the garment when in a relaxed position.

Further aspects and embodiments are provided in the foregoing drawings, detailed description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are provided to illustrate certain embodiments described herein. The drawings are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of claimed inventions and are not intended to show every potential feature or embodiment of the claimed inventions. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; in some instances, certain elements of the drawing may be enlarged with respect to other elements of the drawing for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a hoodie with the cowl in a raised position

FIG. 2 is a front view of a hoodie with the cowl in a lowered position.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a sweatshirt with the cowl in a raised position

FIG. 4 is a front view of a sweatshirt with the cowl in a lowered position

FIG. 5 is a side view of a long-sleeved shirt with the cowl in a raised position.

FIG. 6 is a view of a hoodie with a cowl in a raised position.

FIG. 7 is a cross section of a cowl with a filter.

FIG. 8 is a view of a hoodie with a cowl in a raised position.

FIG. 9 is a cross section of a cowl with a filter.

FIG. 10 is a view of a hoodie with a cowl in a raised position.

FIG. 11 is a cross section of a cowl with a filter.

FIG. 12 is a view of a hoodie with a cowl in a raised position.

FIG. 13 is a cross section of a cowl with a filter.

FIG. 14 is a view of a t-shirt with a cowl.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description recites various aspects and embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein. No particular invention is intended to define the scope of the invention. Rather, the embodiments provide non-limiting examples of various compositions, and methods that are included within the scope of the claimed inventions. The description is to be read from the perspective of one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, information that is well known to the ordinarily skilled artisan is not necessarily included.

Definitions

The following terms and phrases have the meanings indicated below, unless otherwise provided herein. This disclosure may employ other terms and phrases not expressly defined herein. Such other terms and phrases shall have the meanings they would possess within the context of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some instances, a term or phrase may be defined in the singular or plural. In such instances, it is understood that any term in the singular may include its plural counterpart and vice versa, unless expressly indicated to the contrary.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to “a substituent” encompasses a single substituent as well as two or more substituents, and the like.

As used herein, “for example,” “for instance.” “such as,” or “including” are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, such examples are provided only to aid in understanding embodiments illustrated in the present disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion. Nor do these phrases indicate any kind of preference for the disclosed embodiment.

Awareness of the danger posed by airborne contagions is increasing. The desire to protect one's self and others from these contagions is also increasing. There is increasing evidence that covering the nose and mouth decreases the transmission of airborne contagions. Masks are one effective method of covering the nose and mouth, however masks can be inconvenient to carry and then remove from whatever location they are in and put on. Masks can also be inadvertently dislodged during physical activity. If a mask is removed it can easily be misplaced or lost. If a mask is dislodged, misplaced, or lost, it can no longer be worn and will provide no protection. Additionally, masks are most often not stylish. A mask is not a typical fashion accessory. This makes it less likely that people will want to wear a mask.

A garment has been developed which addresses both the issue of having a protective face covering at hand and adding to the style of a casual garment. The elements discussed herein can be added to a variety of garments such as hooded sweatshirts, non-hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts, sweaters, crewneck pullover, polo shirt, button down shirt, dresses, and other garments. For convenience and ease of discussion the garment will be referred to as a garment throughout this specification. The garment or other garment is preferably constructed in such a way as to be as comfortable as possible. The material of the garment is also preferably as comfortable as possible. Some examples of comfortable materials include 100% cotton, cotton polyester blends, wool, merino wool, wool cotton blends, wool polyester blends, wool cotton polyester blends. In the preferred embodiment the material is a polyester blend.

To increase the stylishness and protectiveness of the garment an attachment is added to the neck area of the garment. The attachment a tube of fabric, where the bottom of the tube attaches to the neck opening of the garment and the top of the tube is open. Such loose fitting garment accessories are referred to by multiple names including; gaiter, cowl, cowl neck, and tubular scarf. Throughout the specification for convenience the attachment will be referred to as a cowl.

The custom sewn tubular accessory serves as a loose fitting cowl. The cowl adds stylistic elements to the garment. The stylistic elements can increase the acceptability of wearing the garment in various settings. Or the cowl can simply increase the desirability of wearing the garment.

In some embodiments the tube of the cowl is constructed by weaving the material into a tube. This embodiment generally utilizes materials that have some stretch in their construction including polyester, nylon, or materials blended with elastic materials such as spandex. In embodiments utilizing a woven tube, the tube will be free of seems. Alternative embodiments employ sheets of fabric sewn together. In some embodiments utilizing sheets of fabric sewn together, the tube is constructed by rolling a single sheet of fabric into a tube and sewing the ends that meet up together. In other embodiments utilizing sheets of fabric sewn together, the tube is constructed of multiple panels of sheet fabric. The advantage to using multiple fabrics to construct the tube is that different materials have different properties. These different properties enable the fabrics to perform different functions. For example, a stretch woven fabric, generally polyester or nylon, will stretch and conform; non-woven polypropylene catches many particles and acts as a filter. Cotton also acts as a filter. There are many ways to construct fabric, and just as each type of fabric has specific properties and strengths, each method for constructing the fabric also has specific strengths. The embodiment utilizing panels makes use of the different properties of different fabrics and different constructions. A tube with a front panel made from cotton, and a back panel made from stretch woven polyester would utilize the protective qualities of the cotton fabric to cover the mouth and nose and the comfort and stretch properties of the stretch woven fabric together to make a cowl that is both protective and comfortable.

When left in a relaxed state and not pulled up over a part of the face, the cowl drops down and lays loosely over the seam and approximately 2-4″ on the front of the garment. It does not engage the neck and remains loose.

The cowl is constructed to allow pulling it over the face. While typically used to cover the nose and mouth the cowl is large and long enough to cover more of the face. In most embodiments, the length of the cowl ranges from 18″-24″ depending on the size of the garment. In other embodiments, the length of the cowl ranges from 12″-28″ depending on the size of the garment. The construction leaves the cowl loose about the neck and face. Even when used to cover the face, as a mask would cover the face, the cowl remains loose, with the cowl engaging the face only where the upper edge of the cowl rests on the face. This loose construction leaves space between the rest of the face and neck and allows air space between the cowl and the face and neck.

The looseness of the cowl is an advantage to people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. The effects of these skin conditions are often exacerbated or flare ups initiated by contact. Even materials and fabrics that are generally acceptable to wear can lead to irritation under certain circumstances. The cowl reduces the possibility of these irritations and circumstances by reducing the contact of the cowl with the skin.

In certain embodiments, when pulled up as a face covering the cowl is kept in place by a strip of elastic material sewn into the upper edge of back side of the cowl. The elastic needs to be long enough to provide a secure fit, it is also desirable that the fit remain comfortable and that the cowl not dig into the face. The length of the elastic material is preferably from 4 to 12 inches. The length of the elastic is more preferably from 5 to 10 inches. The length of the elastic material is most preferably from 6-8 inches. In another embodiment, the cowl is kept in place by a strip of elastic material sewn into the upper edge of front side of the cowl. In another embodiment, the cowl is kept in place by elastic material sewn into the entire upper edge of the cowl. The elastic material secures the front edge of the cowl to a person's face.

In yet another embodiment the cowl is kept in place by a piece of moldable material sewn into the upper front edge of the cowl. The moldable material is a material that the owner of the garment can shape to the contours of their face. The material needs to be pliable enough for the owner of the garment to be able to shape so that it will fit their face, yet stiff enough to keep the shape it is contoured into, and resilient enough to hold up to multiple instances of being molded to shape. In some of the embodiments with moldable material, the moldable material is a thin metal strip. In some of these embodiments the metal is aluminum. In other embodiments the metal is steel or stainless steel.

In yet another embodiment, the cowl is constructed of material that is stretchy. The cowl therefore conforms to the face and is held in place by the stretch of the material.

In some embodiments, the cowl incorporates multiple methods for securing the cowl on a face. In some of these embodiments, the cowl is constructed of a stretch woven material combined with a strip of elastic at the back of the cowl. In another embodiment, the cowl is constructed of stretch woven material combined with a moldable nose piece.

When the cowl is pulled up over the face, the cowl functions as a face mask. Masks have been found to limit the spread of airborne contagions. Fabric face masks are most effective at preventing a sick person from spreading airborne contagions to those around them, the face mask limits the dispersal of the contagion. Similar to covering the mouth when coughing limits the dispersal of airborne contagions. This is especially important when interacting with people in vulnerable populations. These populations include older people, people with underlying medical conditions, people with compromised immune systems, and those who have recurring illnesses. Individuals do not always know when they will interact with others who are in a vulnerable population and carrying a facemask is not often desirable or practical. The cowl garment enables safer interaction with individuals in vulnerable populations because the face protection is built into the cowl garment. The material of the cowl is typically a tightly woven material that allows air to pass through but catches many particles. Similar to the construction of the body of the garment, the cowl can be constructed of a variety of materials, including 100% cotton, cotton polyester blends, wool, merino wool, wool cotton blends, wool polyester blends, wool cotton polyester blends. In the preferred embodiment the material is a polyester blend.

Sometimes contagions become more prevalent or more dangerous contagions are proliferating, in these circumstances it is desirable to have protections from others. The typical standard for protection are materials that have an N95 rating. A material with an N95 rating will filter out 95% of particles which are 0.3 microns or larger. These materials are often incorporated into filter masks or filter inserts for masks. The filtering keeps droplets containing contagions and other harmful particles from reaching the nose and mouth. It is not always convenient to carry an N95 rated filter mask. While the N95 filters are most common, other filters are available as well. For example, there are N99 rated filters. The N99 filters will filter out 99% of particles 0.3 microns or larger.

In some embodiments the cowl garment incorporates a filter into the cowl of the cowl garment. In some embodiments the filter material is incorporated into the tubular material of the cowl. The filter is sewn into the cowl between the inner and outer surfaces of the cowl. In this embodiment the filter is an integral part of the garment and the user never needs to worry about the filter or where the filter is. In these embodiments it is not possible to tell from the outside whether the cowl has a filter or not. This is desirable for many people who do not wish to be seen wearing masks.

In other embodiments, the cowl garment incorporates an envelope for a filter to be inserted into the cowl. In some of these embodiments the envelope is located between the inner and outer layers of the cowl. These embodiments incorporate a slit in the inner surface of the cowl. The filter is inserted into the envelope through the slit. The envelope is invisible from the outside of the cowl, so the cowl appears the same whether there is a filter inserted or not. Filters are able to be removed and inserted. This allows for new filters to be used. In these embodiments it is not possible to tell from the outside whether the cowl has a filter envelope or not. This is desirable for many people who do not wish to be seen wearing masks.

In yet other embodiments, the filter envelope is sewn to the outside surface of the cowl. These embodiments enable the filter to be inserted and removed. They also show that the person is using a filter mask. This is beneficial when interacting with individuals who are known to have a contagion, and do not wish to infect others. In certain of these embodiments the envelope is constructed of a transparent material, this allows the filter to be seen and for other individuals to know that a filter is in use.

In other embodiments, the filter envelope is sewn onto the inside surface of the cowl. These embodiments enable the filter to be inserted and removed. They are concealed from the outside but visible from the inside. This can be beneficial in situations similar to those beneficial to having the filter envelope on the outside of the cowl. An individual could demonstrate to other individuals that they are using a mask, while not allowing the general public to see that they are wearing a mask.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 a garment, in this embodiment a hoodie 101 is depicted. FIG. 1 shows hoodie 101 with a cowl 103 extended. The cowl 103 is raised to cover the mouth and nose. The cowl can be raised or extended to the position the wearer desires it to be in. FIG. 2 shows the cowl 103 in a lowered position. The cowl is a comfortable addition that enables a wearer to have a face covering with them whenever they are wearing a garment. The cowl is

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 a garment, in this embodiment a sweatshirt 302 is depicted. FIG. 3 shows sweatshirt 302 with a cowl 304 extended. The cowl 304 is raised to cover the mouth and nose. The cowl can be raised or extended to the position the wearer desires it to be in. FIG. 4 shows the cowl 304 in a lowered position. The cowl is a comfortable addition that enables a wearer to have a face covering with them whenever they are wearing a garment.

Referring to FIG. 5 which shows a garment with cowl. In this embodiment the garment is a long-sleeved shirt 511. The shirt includes cowl 513. Cowl 513 is composed of two different fabrics. The front fabric 515 is composed of a fabric with filter qualities. The back fabric is composed of a comfort fabric or a stretch fabric. By utilizing sheets of fabric sewn together, the tube is constructed of multiple panels of sheet fabric. The advantage to using multiple fabrics to construct the tube is that different materials have different properties. These different properties enable the fabrics to perform different functions. For example, a stretch woven fabric, generally polyester or nylon, will stretch and conform; non-woven polypropylene catches many particles and acts as a filter. Cotton also acts as a filter. There are many ways to construct fabric, and just as each type of fabric has specific properties and strengths, each method for constructing the fabric also has specific strengths. The embodiment utilizing panels makes use of the different properties of different fabrics and different constructions. A tube with a front panel made from cotton, and a back panel made from stretch woven polyester would utilize the protective qualities of the cotton fabric to cover the mouth and nose and the comfort and stretch properties of the stretch woven fabric together to make a cowl that is both protective and comfortable.

In certain embodiments, when pulled up as a face covering the cowl is kept in place by a strip of elastic material 519 sewn into the upper edge of back side of the cowl. The elastic needs to be long enough to provide a secure fit, it is also desirable that the fit remain comfortable and that the cowl does not dig into the face. The length of the elastic material is preferably from 4 to 12 inches. The length of the elastic is more preferably from 5 to 10 inches. The length of the elastic material is most preferably from 6-8 inches. In another embodiment, the cowl is kept in place by a strip of elastic material sewn into the upper edge of front side of the cowl. In another embodiment, the cowl is kept in place by elastic material sewn into the entire upper edge of the cowl. The elastic material secures the front edge of the cowl to a person's face.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a garment with filter 605 built into the cowl. In some embodiments, the cowl 603 is a knit material and the filter 605 is knit into the cowl in the knitting process. FIG. 6 depicts the cowl 603 in an extended position. The filter 605 is positioned in the cowl 603 so that the filter 605 covers the nose and mouth when the cowl is in an extended position. FIG. 7 shows a top-down view of a cross section of the cowl 603 with the filter built into the cowl.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show another embodiment of a garment with a cowl and a filter in the cowl. In some embodiments, a pocket is built into the cowl. The pocket is configured so that a filter can be inserted into the pocket. The pocket is positioned in the cowl 823 so that when a filter is inserted into the pocket, the filter 825 covers the nose and mouth when the cowl is in an extended position. The pocket includes an opening 827 through which a filter can be inserted and removed from the pocket. Filters are typically not constructed to be washable, therefore removing the filter before washing would be preferable. FIG. 9 shows a top-down view of a cross section of the cowl 823 with the filter built into the cowl.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show an alternative embodiment of a garment with a cowl and a filter in the cowl. In some embodiments, a pocket is sewn into the cowl. The pocket can be sewn to the face side of the cowl, as shown in FIG. 11. In some embodiments the pocket is sewn to the outside of the cowl. The pocket is configured so that a filter can be inserted into the pocket. The pocket is positioned in the cowl 1033 so that when a filter is inserted into the pocket, the filter 1035 covers the nose and mouth when the cowl is in an extended position. The pocket includes an opening 1037 through which a filter can be inserted and removed from the pocket. Filters are typically not constructed to be washable, therefore removing the filter before washing would be preferable. FIG. 11 shows a top-down view of a cross section of the cowl 1033 with the filter built into the cowl.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show an alternative embodiment of a garment with a cowl and a filter in the cowl. In some embodiments, a pocket is sewn into the cowl. The pocket can be sewn to the face side of the cowl. In some embodiments the pocket is sewn to the outside of the cowl, as shown in FIG. 13. In embodiments where the pocket is sewn to the outside of the cowl, the fabric of the outside is transparent. A transparent material enables others to see the filter and know that the wearer is using a mask and filter. This would be especially useful in visiting places with people who are more at risk of contracting diseases or being adversely affected by those diseases. The pocket is configured so that a filter can be inserted into the pocket. The pocket is positioned in the cowl 1243 so that when a filter is inserted into the pocket, the filter 1245 covers the nose and mouth when the cowl is in an extended position. The pocket includes an opening 1247 through which a filter can be inserted and removed from the pocket. Filters are typically not constructed to be washable, therefore removing the filter before washing would be preferable. FIG. 13 shows a top-down view of a cross section of the cowl 1243 with the filter built into the cowl.

Now referring to FIG. 14 which is a depiction of an embodiment of a T-shirt with a cowl. The cowl 1453 is attached at the collar. The cowl can be deployed to cover the face particularly the nose and mouth. The front edge of the cowl 1453 can be positioned over the nose and is help in place by a strip of elastic which is sewn into the back side of the cowl. The stretch of the elastic at the back edge permits the cowl to stretch and be kept in place over the nose. Having the elastic on the back of the cowl is more comfortable for wearing on the face. The elastic can be rough or uncomfortable so positioning it on the back side removes that uncomfortable portion from a sensitive place on the face. In some embodiments, the cowl on the t-shirt includes a filter 1455 or a pocket to hold filter 1455.

All patents and published patent applications referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference. However, any reference to prior publication is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement, admission, or suggestion that the prior publication, or any information derived from it is part of the general common knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates. The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. Nevertheless, it is understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment comprising: a section of fabric constructed in a tube; wherein the lower edge of the tube attaches to the neck opening of a garment; wherein the tube covers the nose and mouth when deployed in an up position and drapes loosely in the front of the garment when in a relaxed position.
 2. The invention of claim 1, wherein a strip of elastic material is attached along at least a portion of an upper edge of the tube; wherein the strip of elastic material is adapted to assist in securing the tube on a nose of a person wearing the garment; the strip of elastic is located on portion of the tube that corresponds to the back of a garment.
 3. The invention of claim 2, wherein the elastic material is attached along the entire upper edge of the tube.
 4. The invention of claim 1, wherein the garment is a sweatshirt.
 5. The invention of claim 1, wherein the garment is a shirt.
 6. The invention of claim 1, wherein the garment is a dress.
 7. The invention of claim 1, further comprising a pocket adapted to hold a filter.
 8. The invention of claim 7, wherein the front of the pocket is transparent.
 9. The invention of claim 1, wherein the tube is constructed of at least two materials.
 10. The invention of claim 9, wherein the material positioned at the front of the tube, where it would cover the nose and mouth when deployed in an up position, is composed of at least two layers.
 11. A garment comprising: a section of fabric constructed in a tube; wherein the lower edge of the tube attaches to the neck opening of a garment; wherein the tube covers the nose and mouth when deployed in an up position and drapes loosely in the front of the garment when in a relaxed position.
 12. The invention of claim 11, wherein the tube is constructed of a material that stretches.
 13. The invention of claim 11, wherein the tube is constructed of at least two materials, and at least one of the materials is a material that stretches.
 14. The invention of claim 13, wherein the material positioned at the front of the tube, where it would cover the nose and mouth when deployed in an up position, is cotton.
 15. The invention of claim 14, wherein the material positioned at the front of the tube, where it would cover the nose and mouth when deployed in an up position, is composed of at least two layers.
 16. The invention of claim 15, wherein one of the at least two layers is non-woven polypropylene.
 17. The invention of claim 11, further comprising a filter attached to the tube.
 18. The invention of claim 11, further comprising an envelope adapted to hold a filter.
 19. The invention of claim 18, wherein the front of the envelope is transparent.
 20. The invention of claim 11, wherein the garment is a sweatshirt. 